Description
Army Meritorious Service Medal, VR Issue, Sergeant Major Patrick Fennelly, 2/8th “The King’s” Liverpool Regiment of Foot, later Warrington Volunteers, an Irishman who settled in Lancashire.
Over 280 Soldiers and Officers were present for the ceremony of their long serving Sergeant Major Patrick Fennelly to have the coveted Meritorious Service Medal pinned on to his breast, by Colonel J.F. Greenall the first man to join the Volunteer Corps in Warrington back in 1859.
“Colonel Greenall said he had a pleasing duty to perform, namely, to present a Silver Medal to Sergeant Major Patrick Fennelly (2nd 8th Foot), as a reward for his long and highly meritorious service.
The Officer commanding the 8th and 40th Regimental District had received a communication from the Commander in Chief intimating that her Majesty the Queen had been pleased to approve on the recommendation of his Royal Highness, the Grant of an annuity of £10 to Sergeant Major Fennelly, together with the Silver Medal.”
Ian Mcinnes Annuity MSM Book records only 13 issues to the 8th Liverpool Regiment, only 3 Victorian.
Officially engraved: “Sergt Maj: P. Fennelly. Late 2/8th Foot.”
“THE WARRINGTON VOLUNTEERS
PRESENTATION TO SERGEANT MAJOR FENNELLY
Patrick originally came from the parish of Bennettsbridge in County Kilkenny, Ireland.
Born there in 1839, he enlisted in the 8th Foot originally on 10th June 1858 at the age of 19. Service Number 784
He went on to served for 21 years and 3 days, spending 9 years 5 months overseas in the “Mediterranean”.
He claimed his discharge after completing 21 years of service at Warrington on 11th June 1879.
“His Conduct has been Very Good, He was when promoted in possession of 1 good conduct badge and would had he not been promoted have been now in possession of 5 good conduct badges.
In possession of a medal for long service and good conduct a second class school certificate.”
Typically in the Victorian Period the LSGC medal would have to be surrendered in exchange for the Annuity MSM.
He had a spotless record, never once tried by court martial or had any entries in the Regimental Defaulters Book.
Attested as Private in the 2/8th Foot on 10th June 1858.
Promoted Corporal 14th May 1861
Promoted Sergeant 28th September 1864.
Re-engaged to complete 21 years as Sergeant on 7th July 1868.
Appointed as Colour Sergeant on 17th July 1869.
Transferred as a Sergeant to the Permanent Staff of the 2nd Royal Lancashire Militia from 17th June 1876.
Next year promoted to Sergeant Major of Militia on 4th May 1877.
Having reached the age of 40 and finished a full 21 years of service, the Army was likely all he really knew, he settled in Warrington and remained with the Militia becoming a Sergeant Major with his local “Warrington Volunteers”.
On his 33rd year since enlistment he was honoured with the Annuity of £10 and the Silver Medal for Meritorious Service.
